Living Intentionally

Word of the year: Intentional.

It is not enough to be busy. So are the ants. The question is: What are we busy about?”   ~Henry David Thoreau

The idea of a word, a single thought as a focus for a whole year can seem a little bit daunting.  But I want to spend a long, long while exploring this idea, sinking deep to the idea of living an intentional life, a life lived deliberately, on purpose, for a purpose.

I've been living a reactionary life, running from drama to crisis and back again, always frantic about something.  This stress has done harm, physically, emotionally, spiritually. I need to step away from that stress, but I cannot just up and move, {however desirable that might seem to my wandering self}.  I am here.  So how can I move away from the stress and strife of this life with out physically moving away? This question has really haunted me.  This is my solution:  Live differently.  Live intentionally.  I see intentional, purposeful, deliberate living as a straight arrow through a waving wheat field, as the rock in the stream, not letting drama and crisis sway, but rather staying focused, abiding, and acting with necessity not in reaction.

Intentional : done on purpose; deliberate

What does an intentional, deliberate life look like?  I don't fully know yet, but I am looking forward to exploring the idea.  Here are some of my starting points:

Worrying less.
{Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Mt 6:34}

Searching out God's will in my life.  Finding my purpose.
{But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you. Mt. 6:33}

Cultivate an attitude of gratitude.
{ Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.And be thankful. Col. 3:15}

In addition to this word of the year, I wanted to chose a scripture verse for the year as well.  One that dwelled in the same space as intentional.  The verse that I choose was

Proverbs 16:3 "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans."

What do you think?  I welcome comments.  Do you have a word of the year?  I'd love to know.